Africa-Press – South-Sudan. President Salva Kiir once again revived the election talk with a bold promise for a peaceful poll slated for 2024, emphasising that his government will work to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
With less than 24 months remaining to the exercise, whose preparations are yet to gain ground, the head of state used his national address on the eve of SPLA Day to remind the citizens that he was committed to a successful transition as envisaged in the roadmap.
“Despite challenges that may arise in this noble task (peace implementation), we are determined to give you, the citizens, the right to choose your leaders through credible, transparent, and fair elections in 2024. As I have said many times, there will be no further extension of the transitional period,” he said.
Kiir said he would ensure that the citizens have the opportunity to choose their own leaders.
“For those who are doubting our ability to remain peaceful during this upcoming period (the election), I would like to tell them that there will be no return to war under my watch,” he stressed.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that South Sudanese get freedom and that peace remains unchanged.
“At this fortieth anniversary of our movement (SPLA), I would like to inform you that my intention to restore stability in this country remains unshaken,” Kiir stated.
However, he called on all citizens to join hands in supporting the parties to the peace agreement for a peaceful South Sudan.
“I am calling upon you, the citizens, to support us, the parties to the agreement, by embracing peace and coexistence among yourselves.”
“Let us all say no to violence and choose peaceful means for the resolution of our differences,” he said.
Also, Kiir appealed to the citizens to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by the liberators in order to establish a republic.
“It is in the sacrifices that we as a country find the meaning of existence,” he said.
“Despite the numerous challenges we are facing as people today, fellow citizens, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, in its character, was and is still a people’s army,” he added.
Kiir paid homage to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the war of national liberation, adding that without their courage, South Sudanese would not have achieved their objectives of a free and independent South Sudan.
Paid the ultimate price
“In recognition of their sacrifices, let us salute all the SPLA formations from battalions 105 and 104, Jamus, Tiger, and Timsa, Koryom, Mour Mour, Kazuk, Zal Zal, Intifadha Intisar, and all other units and formations who answered this national call,” he said.
“Let us also salute the officers who led these formations, chief among them our late leader Dr. John Garang de Mabior, who successfully marshalled our struggle towards the attainment of our aspiration of a free and independent South Sudan,” Kiir added.
The head of state hailed the organized forces and called on them to remain inspired by the SPLA spirit that was surrounded by sacrifices.
“To all our organised forces, I commend you for your dedication to duty and call upon you to draw your inspiration from the rich tradition of the SPLA as you work to protect our citizens and their properties,” he said.
The peace parties last year, extended the transitional period of the government by two years, the 24-month extension begins in February 2023 and ends in February 2025.
According to the new timeline, elections are planned for December 2024.
However, civil society activists have continued to doubt the possibility of a peaceful election in 2024, citing incomplete tasks in the peace agreement to ensure a peaceful election.
South Sudan on May 16 each year, commemorates the foundation of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in 1983.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) was founded as a rebel movement on May 16, 1983. It was led by Commander-in-Chief John Garang de Mabior. Along with the political wing, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, the aim of the SPLA was to establish an autonomous Southern Sudan, initially within a united Sudan.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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